Choosing a session

Private or group Pilates? Start with what you need.

Both can belong in a practice. The useful question is which format fits your experience and goals today.

Participants practicing together on reformers at Great Falls Pilates
Great Falls Pilates · Great Falls, Virginia

A clear answer

Should I choose private Pilates or a group class?

Choose private instruction when you want individual feedback, time to learn equipment, or a conversation about specific movement needs. A group class may suit you when you know the foundations and can follow the class format. Ask the studio if you are unsure.

01 / THE DETAILS

What a private session offers.

An individual session is organized around one client. Your instructor has more time to observe your setup, answer questions, and revisit a movement. That can be valuable when the equipment is unfamiliar or when you want detailed work on technique.

A private session is also a setting for discussing a specific concern before entering a class. Medical questions still belong with your healthcare provider, and any exercise restrictions should be discussed before booking.

Ashley Rose, founder and Pilates instructor, in the studio
Ashley Rose, founder and Pilates instructor, in the studio
02 / THE DETAILS

What a group class offers.

A group class has a shared format and rhythm. You practice alongside other clients, following the instructor through a planned session. The studio offers formats based on the reformer, tower, and chair, with different experience requirements.

The format matters as much as the label. Advanced Classical Reformer expects familiarity with the sequence and transitions. A slower senior format serves a different purpose. Choose based on the actual description rather than assuming all classes are interchangeable.

Participants practicing together on reformers at Great Falls Pilates
Participants practicing together on reformers at Great Falls Pilates
03 / THE DETAILS

Three questions to help you decide.

First, how familiar are you with the equipment? If the apparatus is new to you, ask about an introduction. Second, how much individual attention do you want? Detailed questions may be easier to address privately.

Third, are there movement restrictions or concerns the studio needs to understand? That discussion should happen before the session. Once you have a suitable starting point, your instructor can help you reassess the format as your practice grows.

  • How familiar am I with this apparatus?
  • How much individual feedback would help?
  • What does the studio need to know before I book?
A row of reformers and tower springs in the Great Falls studio
A row of reformers and tower springs in the Great Falls studio

At a glance

Find your session format.

Comparing private sessions and group classes at Great Falls Pilates
What matters to youPrivate instructionGroup classes
AttentionIndividual feedback and discussionInstruction within a shared class format
PaceAdapted to the individual sessionSet by the class and its experience level
A useful starting pointNew apparatus, detailed technique, or specific questionsA format that matches your equipment experience
Before bookingExplore individual sessionsRead the class descriptions

Before you begin

Questions worth asking.

Need an answer specific to you? Contact the studio.

Are private sessions only for beginners?

No. Experienced clients may use individual instruction to refine technique or focus on a specific goal.

Can I switch formats later?

Discuss the next step with your instructor. A change in experience, schedule, or goals may make another format appropriate.

Related reading

Keep exploring.

Explore the details, get your questions answered, and find the next step that fits you.

Ashley Rose, founder and Pilates instructor, in the studio

Individual instruction

Private Pilates

Explore one-on-one Pilates with Ashley Rose or the teaching team. Learn the equipment, refine your practice, and get individualized feedback.

Explore the details
Barrels, rings, and Pilates apparatus arranged along the studio wall

New to the studio

Your first session

New to Pilates? Learn how to choose your first session, prepare for the studio, understand the equipment, and find a practice that fits your goals.

Explore the details

A practice that starts with you

Tell us where you are.
We will help you begin.

New to Pilates, returning to movement, or ready for a different kind of attention? Let’s find your next step.

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